Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) studies on Rabies: A Neglected Tropical Disease

Abstract

Rabies is an ancient infectious disease affecting all mammals, which is caused by a virus called rhabdo-virus, transmitted through the biting of mad animals. In developing countries like Pakistan, the disease burden is directly related to the number of mortalities. Rabies is ranked as the 11th most infectious disease annually, causing more than 55,000 deaths worldwide and 30,000 deaths in Subcontinents due to rabies-associated mortalities. Rabies incidence varies from region to region, e.g., in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, 20 to 30, 13 and 8-9 cases per million people annually, respectively. A questionnaire was developed following the WHO guideline and translated into a regional language. We used the participatory approach for data collection through trained workers. The study area was divided into four regions, and 500 samples were collected from each region, representing 5% population. During the survey, we used a convenient sampling method for information collection regarding knowledge of persons, attitudes against rabies, and practices among the general population for rabies. Respondents aged 18 to 55 years included males, females, and transgender. Data collection is done under that area's proper social and cultural norms. We assumed that more than 30% of the population knew rabies signs and symptoms and preventive measures. All-inclusive, 53.6% of the respondents reported that they had pets or animals in their homes, while 25.9% had vaccinated their animals against rabies. Of the respondents from urban areas, 37% were found to have fewer pets or domestic animals in their homes compared to 64% of the respondents from rural areas. Rabies knowledge reduces the risk of rabies incidence. Control of rabid animals prevents rabies cases around the globe.